Whether you’re playing guitar as a sort of recreation or just beginning your voyage on becoming an experienced guitar player, having an ideal guitar with you will make the process much easier. The type of guitar that you must have depends on you and the style of playing you prefer.
For older people, a guitar with nylon strings and bigger frets proves to be the most helpful. But choosing a perfect guitar for seniors from a list of hundreds on the internet can be tough.
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Yamaha’s NTX1200R |
Best for seniors with weak hands |
Check Price On Amazon | |
Blueridge 6 String Acoustic |
Best Acoustic Guitar for Seniors |
Check Price On Amazon | |
The Loar LH-204-BR |
Best for Low price |
Check Price On Amazon | |
Yamaha APX600 |
Best for small hands |
Check Price On Amazon | |
Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 |
Best Electric guitar for older players |
Check Price On Amazon |
The Top 5 Guitars for Older Players
Here’s the list of the best guitars recommended for older players who are just getting started. If you are experienced, then buying a steel-string guitar is a viable choice as well. But for beginners, nylon string guitars will be the perfect way to get comfortable with the instrument, without hurting yourself.
1. Yamaha NTX1200R Acoustic-Electric Classical Guitar
Yamaha’s NTX1200R electro-acoustical guitar provides steel-string guitar players a familiar feel on a nylon-stringed classical guitar. The playback capability of the guitar is the most important feature, and it provides several specifications that benefit both electric and steel-string guitar players. These guitars also comprise of partially narrower 1.89’’ nut width that is more similar to what you’ll discover on a steel-string guitar, besides with a thinner body and a lavish cutaway.
Since the Yamaha NTX1200R has nylon strings, it is a good choice of guitar for people with arthritic hands. Steel strings are difficult to play and are bad for anyone with weak hands.
This cutaway permits open access to the highest frets of the ebony fingerboard (there’s a sum of 22, which is enormously more than many general classical guitars). Talking about the wooden frame used in the guitar, the tone woods utilized in the anatomical structure of the guitar are magnificent. Also, classical guitars are an ideal choice for anyone who wants to sing along while playing their guitar.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Snuff-colored mahogany neck for guitar’s support
Dark fingerboard
Robust body frame[/i2pros][i2cons]Some strings when fretted can generate a buzzing sound.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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2. Blueridge BR-160 6 String Acoustic Guitar
Regarding its simple price and performance ratio, Blueridge is one of the rare brands associated with guitars. The Blueridge BR-160 is among the most effective and classic guitars on the marketplace. This guitar is a cost-effective product compared to similar other acoustic guitars. This guitar legitimately earns its spot as one of the best guitars for strumming at the right price.
Blueridge went with an old drab design that features one of the finest tone wood amalgamations out there. About manufacturing quality and workmanship, the BR-160 is sure to be above its price range compared to other similar guitars. To stay genuine for the “30s – 40s” era guitars, Blueridge equipped a typical rosewood bridge outfitted with a bone compensated saddle.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Attractive classic design
Complete and stabilized sound
Constructed with high-quality wooden material[/i2pros][i2cons]An ebony neck would’ve been better[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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3. The Loar LH-204-BR Brownstone
The Loar is a fascinating Chinese guitar manufacturer, focusing on the high-level market, by using the musical instruments from the ‘Golden Age of Guitars’ (i.e. 1920s and 1930s) as inspiration for their present-day variants. At first sight, there is nothing too remarkable about the Loar Brownstone.
But, it has an exceptionally minimalist structure, with no extroversive décor – even the bound acoustic hole and golden headstock decal are quite understated. The blanched body binding and smooth lustrous satin-finish give the guitar a touch of refinement. Most remarkably, there is a nice set of vintage-inspired TonePros TPKR3-N nickel tuning machine with plastic switches, that has an accurate ratio of 15:1.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Magnificent and simple design
Attractive looks
Cost-effective guitar[/i2pros][i2cons]No accessories provided[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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4. Yamaha APX600 Acoustic-Electric Guitar
The Yamaha APX600 maintains the same configuration and slim body design which provides a more convenient holding and playing experience than a dreadnought. Although, the length of the scale has been reduced, from 25.6’’ to 25’’, while the string spacing of the guitar is narrower – both the modifications improve the playback capability of the guitar.
The neck part of the guitar is composed of satin-finished nato, highlighting a fretboard made up of rosewood material with 22 frets, which are readily accessible because of the cutaway. Older players won’t have any problems while playing higher notes with this guitar. For colors, you can pick from a conventional natural finish or a stylish pitch-black, as well as a cool classic white color and a refined Prussian blue color.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Higher frets are easily accessible
Perfect for short-handed players
Provides powerful sound output[/i2pros][i2cons]Not suited for large hands[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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5. Yamaha Pacifica Series PAC012 Electric Guitar
The guitars in the Yamaha Pacifica range are noted for their excellent playback capability, because of their contoured bodies that are very user-friendly. Absolutely, as with all Yamaha musical instruments, they also provide that popular Japanese production quality.
As with any variant in the Pacifica range of guitars, it has the familiar Strat-style dual-cutaway body frame with a curvier and lightly edgier feel. Electric Guitars are also better for people with large hands as these guitars have bigger frets and wider necks.
Similar to any type of electric guitar, it also comprises a 25.5’’ scale length along with a strong bolt-on neck. The playing capability is eminent for a budget-effective electric guitar, with a satin-finish neck. The Yamaha Pacifica PAC012 is a preferred choice for senior guitar players because of its low-budget price range and strong performance.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Has a convenient flat neck
Cost-effective electric guitar
Production quality is magnificent[/i2pros][i2cons]The quality of strings isn’t good[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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Things to Consider Before Buying a Guitar for Older Players
First of all, are you purchasing any type of guitar for yourself or someone else? What you like can be very distinctive to someone else depending on your taste in music and style. If you’re a 70-year old guy purchasing your first guitar, we suggest taking a few minutes to read our useful buying guide. These points should be considered before purchasing any type of guitars for senior players.
Budget for the Guitar
Finding the right guitar to a large extent depends on your budget for the guitar. Purchasing a guitar is a type of investment. If you’re just looking to buy the guitar as a hobby then your budget will be less than that of an individual who is thinking about becoming a professional guitar player. If you have a small budget range then it is advised to choose acoustic guitar as your preference.
String and Hardness
Another thing you should check before purchasing a guitar is its string type. On acoustic guitars, there are generally two kinds of strings exist, nylon or steel. Nylon strings are perfect for old people as they are less restrictive to play. While steel-stringed guitars can be loud in sound, playing with them can lead to calluses eventually.
Acoustic vs. Electric
If you are a beginner, then an electric guitar is not recommended to you, but for average and regular guitarists, electric guitars are the most popular choice. Of course, if you have an interest in playing metal and rock music on a guitar, electric guitars are a no-brainer.
The Purpose of the Guitar
The main factor for your guitar selection is the objective for which you’ve purchased the guitar. Seniors should select a guitar that provides a bright tone and outstays in tune. A rigid spruce top with a laminated back and sides is a good deal that can save your money without getting frustrated. There are few guitars also that have better performance with rigid wooden material.
Convenience
The body styles of the guitars look distinctive, but it’s more essential to discover a body style in which you feel convenient whenever you’re playing that guitar. If you are weak and can’t hold the guitar properly, then there’s no point in considering the most expensive guitar. Therefore, choose a guitar that you feel comfortable with when you’re holding it and provide a sort of convenience whenever you’re playing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is too late to learn guitar?
Learning has no age limit. You can learn to play the guitar even when you’re in your old age. Although it’s too late to play the guitar professionally, you can still take it up as a hobby and continue your passion.
What is the easiest guitar to play?
For seniors, classical guitar are the best as they have nylon strings which are quite easy to play when compared with steel strings in acoustic guitars. Steel strings are hard to fret and might hurt your hands after a long session.
What age is best to learn guitar?
According to sources, the best age to learn guitar is 7. But that’s definitely not a hard limit. You can learn guitar in any age provided you have the interest and consistency in your practice sessions.
Learning to Play the Guitar in Old Age
So that was our take on the best guitars for older players. Although it may sound like a minefield, it has never been simpler for the users to discover the finest guitar. You should check the guitar for yourself to assure that you’re obtaining the right guitar as per your requirement. If you’re a beginner or have weak hands, then purchasing a nylon-stringed guitar like the Yamaha’s NTX1200R is recommended.
If you want to sing along with the guitar and have no issues with strumming, then acoustic guitars such as Yamaha APX600 or Blueridge BR-160 will be right for you. While most older people don’t prefer an electric guitar, if you’re an exceptional player, the Yamaha Pacifica is an ideal guitar for senior electric players.